PAUL Konchesky sees the Premier League as a two-tier division, and
believes Hammers should be aiming towards the top of that second
group of teams, which means another good performance is needed
against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
"There are almost two leagues in the Premiership
really," explained the 24-year-old full-back.
"The first is a little one going on at the top with about four
teams chasing for the title.
"Then there is another league with the rest of the teams, who
are competing for the places outside the top four or so spots.
"I feel we've got a chance against all of the teams in
that league and there's no reason why we shouldn't be
aiming to finish near the top of that second league.
"When you look at Fulham, no disrespect to them, they're a
good side on their day, but not one of those teams that will be in
that first league. So we have to look at that. It will be a tough
test, but we will go there with confidence and hopefully get a
result.
Hammers will certainly take confidence from the 4-0 mauling of
Aston Villa at Upton PArk, but also from the performance in their
last away match at Newcastle last month.
The Hammers battled to a 0-0 draw at St James' Park, their
first away fixture back in the Premiership, and perhaps could have
sneaked a win. But they were hit by a blow when Konchesky received
a red card in that match.
The Club's appeal against the sending-off was upheld and Konch was delighted not to be kept out of the action so early in the season, especially with the team playing on such a high.
He said: "If it hadn't been overturned, I would have
missed the next game which was Bolton, and then the Villa and
Fulham matches, because we had the two-week break before them where
we had no games.
"It would have made it a longer time out than normal, working
out about a month to five weeks not being available to play, so I
was delighted it all got sorted out."
"I do look forward to playing every game, I just want to
keep doing well for West Ham United and make sure the team
continues to progress.
"My ambition as well is to get back into the England squad and
hopefully I can do that here as a West Ham player.
"But I want to play for West Ham United first, keep my place in the team if I can and if the international call comes along it will be a bonus for me and for the Club as well."